Please remind any summer visitors to keep their dogs on a lead!

Despite the dry conditions 2019 has been another good year for kiwi of Whangarei Heads and the wider area.

Monitred kiwi, Whitu, Darwin, Wally and Moa all had successful nests and Wally has now started his second for the season. Radio monitored kiwi released at Parua Bay have moved into the “Kiwi Link” area north of our traditional kiwi stronghold.  Ross has settled at Pepi road by the golf course, Teina up at Owhiwa Road, Malaika near Ross road, Awhi and Harikoa at Campbell road and Pakiri traveled as far north as the Whanui pines off Pataua North Road.

These monitored kiwi are just a fraction of the 900 plus adult kiwi in our area. The population continues to grow and spread thanks to our stoat control network protecting chicks and more importantly locals controlling their dogs to minimise dog kills of kiwi. Please remind any summer visitors to keep their dogs on a lead!

Best wishes for the the festive season from all of the Backyard Kiwi team.

Watch the full ‘Take the Lead’ video on the Backyard Kiwi you tube channel.